TL;DR

Pharmacology (Paramedic): Drug mechanisms, classifications, dosages, routes, interactions, and side effects for prehospital medications.

By Valenke Exam Prep Team·Last updated 2026-06-02

Pharmacology (Paramedic)

NREMT PARAMEDIC

Definition

Drug mechanisms, classifications, dosages, routes, interactions, and side effects for prehospital medications.

Documentation

Documentation of pharmacology (paramedic) in the patient care report (PCR) must include: time of assessment, findings, interventions performed, patient response, and reassessment findings. Use objective, measurable terms like "patient reports 8/10 chest pain" rather than "patient in pain." Document pertinent negatives. All medications administered must include drug name, dose, route, time, and patient response.

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting pharmacology (paramedic) in the field:

BVM: If bag-valve-mask for manual ventilation fails, verify connections, check battery, try alternate equipment. Available sizes: Adult (1500mL), Pediatric (500mL), Infant (250mL)
Pulse oximeter: If measures spo2 via infrared absorption through capillary bed fails, verify connections, check battery, try alternate equipment. Available sizes: Finger clip, Earlobe, Pediatric wrap
IO drill: If intraosseous access device for emergent vascular access fails, verify connections, check battery, try alternate equipment. Available sizes: EZ-IO: 15mm (peds), 25mm (adult), 45mm (obese)

Key Values & Ranges

Key values and ranges relevant to pharmacology (paramedic) in prehospital care:

Parameter	Adult	Pediatric
temperature	97.8-99.1 F (36.5-37.3 C)	same range, rectal preferred under 2yo
ETCO2	35-45 mmHg	35-45 mmHg
SpO2	95-100%	95-100%
blood glucose	70-140 mg/dL	60-100 mg/dL (neonates lower)
GCS	15 is normal, under 8 = severe TBI	modified pediatric GCS for preverbal
heart rate	60-100 bpm	80-150 bpm (infant), 70-120 bpm (child)

Workplace Applications

In daily practice, pharmacology (paramedic) is applied consistently according to facility protocols and current evidence-based guidelines. Competency is maintained through annual skills validation, continuing education, and quality improvement participation.

Step-by-Step Procedure

Protocol steps for pharmacology (paramedic):

AHA ACLS cardiac arrest algorithm: CPR then rhythm check then shock if VF/pVT then epinephrine q3-5min then amiodarone

Why It Matters

Heavily weighted on Paramedic exam. Must know mechanisms, indications, doses, and routes.

Practice This Topic

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Frequently Asked Questions

What equipment is needed for managing pharmacology (paramedic) in the field?▼

For pharmacology (paramedic): AED provides Automated external defibrillator for VF/pVT. Pulse oximeter provides Measures SpO2 via infrared absorption through capillary bed. BVM provides Bag-valve-mask for manual ventilation.

What protocol applies to pharmacology (paramedic) in prehospital care?▼

For pharmacology (paramedic): Trauma assessment: scene safety then MOI then primary survey (XABCDE) then rapid transport then secondary survey en route

What medications are commonly associated with pharmacology (paramedic)?▼

For pharmacology (paramedic): nitroglycerin: 0.4mg SL q5min x3 doses, route SL, for Chest pain, acute MI (if SBP >90). midazolam: 2-5mg IV/IM, 0.2mg/kg IN, route IV, IM, IN, for Seizures, sedation.